Lake City Police: Man arrested for kidnapping girlfriend who tried to dump him

A 41-year-old Jacksonville man was arrested Friday after Lake City police said he kidnapped his girlfriend because she planned to break up with him.

Steven Cline was charged with aggravated assault, kidnapping, robbery with a firearm and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon after he forced his girlfriend to drive him to a restaurant in Lake City, police said.

The victim had been dating Cline for "about nine months" and was living with him. She told investigators that she was attempting to leave their home with her bags when Cline started arguing with her and punched her in the face.

Cline then told her to drive him to Hip Hop Chicken in Lake City.

The victim said Cline displayed a gun when she refused to drive him. After seeing the revolver, the victim drove Cline to the restaurant.

While driving on Interstate 10, Cline allegedly took the victim's purse and moved her personal belongings to his backpack.

The victim said she tried to jump out of the car at least once but Cline told her not to move. Once she parked at the restaurant, the victim ran inside and screamed for help. Witnesses said she was in distress.

Police were notified of the incident around 5:15 p.m.

Officers said they were told Cline was hiding in a nearby Family Dollar. He was arrested after being located in the restroom.